Where Do You Put All Those Throw Pillows

Throw pillows or accent pillows are great additions that will complete any bedroom. Regardless of the style-- modern, traditional, contemporary, or eclectic-- if your bed looks drab, throw a couple of colorful or trendy throw pillows, and viola, you've added some character. But after you've created your wonderful sanctuary for sleep, and it's time to go to bed, where do you put all those pillows? As always, they get tossed on the floor creating trip hazards or clutter until the bed is made up again. This is also very annoying in guest bedrooms, since your guest may not know what to do with all those pillows. Here are some solutions, which may help you end your nightly pillow fight.

• Make space for your pillows in a closet or wardrobe. If you have a nice armoire, closet or wardrobe in your bedroom, save a little room for your pillows.
• Place your pillows in a chest, storage bench, or trunk at the foot of the bed. If you have a decorative chest or trunk in your bedroom, put it to good use! This is a great way to stow your throw pillows as well as extra blankets and linens.
• If you have a window seat with storage underneath, use that as your pillow stash.
• Find some nice plastic storage bins that you can slide under your bed for your pillows. Most big department stores carry these, which are designed specifically to stow under your bed.

These are but a few ideas on how to store your decorative throw pillows at night, until they're ready to adorn your bed in the morning.

(Photo courtesy of Stocknroll via iStockphoto.com)

Pastel Colors Are Not Just for Nurseries

If you like pastels, but are afraid to use them because they may be too childish, don't worry; if used correctly, you can create a sophisticated bedroom.  Pastels are a very popular trend this spring, even Better Homes & Gardens' designer Sabrina Soto (HGTV designer and author of Sabrina Soto Home Design), also agrees that you can have an amazing, grown-up room with these soft color options.  Here are some easy steps and ideas, which will help achieve a fabulous chic look!

• Try to find pastels that are chalky versus sweet.  Chalky pastels will have more grey undertones in them, where sweet pastels will have more white undertones in them.  The easiest way to test your color selection is to hold it up next to a white and grey paint chip, if the pastel leans toward white, then it may be too sweet.
• Don't use more than two chalky pastels together, or you'll end up with a room that looks like a colorful box of sidewalk chalk.
• Create interest by adding white or dark wood accents, lacquer or distressed metal in furniture, trim, lamps, artwork, glass, mirrors, and other accents to add character and balance.

Pastels will create a more spacious room and provide another alternative to brightening up a dark space.  It is a wonderful substitute to white in any bedroom decorating style (contemporary, traditional, modern, or eclectic) and will offer a fresh, fun look for you to wake up to every morning.

(Photo courtesy of Kelly Berg, Arte Styling)

Pastel Colors Are Not Just for Nurseries

If you like pastels, but are afraid to use them because they may be too childish, don't worry; if used correctly, you can create a sophisticated bedroom.  Pastels are a very popular trend this spring, even Better Homes & Gardens' designer Sabrina Soto (HGTV designer and author of Sabrina Soto Home Design), also agrees that you can have an amazing, grown-up room with these soft color options.  Here are some easy steps and ideas, which will help achieve a fabulous chic look!

• Try to find pastels that are chalky versus sweet.  Chalky pastels will have more grey undertones in them, where sweet pastels will have more white undertones in them.  The easiest way to test your color selection is to hold it up next to a white and grey paint chip, if the pastel leans toward white, then it may be too sweet.
• Don't use more than two chalky pastels together, or you'll end up with a room that looks like a colorful box of sidewalk chalk.
• Create interest by adding white or dark wood accents, lacquer or distressed metal in furniture, trim, lamps, artwork, glass, mirrors, and other accents to add character and balance.

Pastels will create a more spacious room and provide another alternative to brightening up a dark space.  It is a wonderful substitute to white and will offer a fresh, fun look for you to wake up to every morning.

(Photo courtesy of Kelly Berg, Arte Styling)

Love Your Bedroom Color

When leafing through magazines, surfing websites, or browsing showrooms, often you'll find a bedroom color idea that captures your attention. Sometimes these trendy color schemes and ideas appear too daring and trying to find a safe and satisfying alternative to avoid regret later, can be an ultimate challenge. Don't be afraid to try modern, fun, and creative color ideas, just keep these few tips in mind when selecting your color scheme or design concept.

• Use a neutral color on walls, such as grey, white, cream, or something in the beige family. Most good designs, whether they are traditional, contemporary, or eclectic, will tend to use a neutral wall color with accents or dashes of a popular, trendy color. This will give you the option of just changing out your accent pillows and accessories, versus redoing the entire bedroom.
• Try to find ideas, color selections, furniture, and concepts closer to your style. You know what style suits you; bold colors and a modern flatbed may not be your idea for a sanctuary of sleep, even though the photo and idea looked awesome on Pinterest. In the end, it's best to stick with a style that fits your personality versus a popular idea.
• Don't forget about your closet doors and space. Use your closet doors, closet space, wardrobes, and odd-sized nooks as opportunities to add some daring color or pattern to your bedroom.
• Choose colors that you love. If you love a color, whether it's blue, red, yellow, orange, or a variety of bold or pastel colors, it will always have a place in your home.

These helpful tips will help you find a bedroom design concept and color solution that you'll not regret seeing every time you wake up in the morning!

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(Photo courtesy of xy via Fotolia.com)

How to Shop for a New Mattress

One of the key components in designing a bedroom, regardless if it is a modern, eclectic, traditional, or contemporary room, is to create a relaxing, soothing atmosphere for a good night's sleep.  One very important tool needed for better sleep is a comfortable mattress.

Shopping for a mattress is almost like shopping for a new car--a bit overwhelming.  There are so many options, sizes, types, and in the end, a sales person who really wants that large commission from your purchase.  Here is an easy guide from The Better Sleep Council to use when beginning your search called the S.L.E.E.P. test.

• Select a mattress.
• Lie down in your typical sleep position.
• Evaluate the level of comfort and support.
• Educate yourself about each selection.
• Partners should test beds together.

The S.L.E.E.P. test is a good guideline to follow, but the most important step listed above is "Lie down in your typical sleep position."  It is imperative to test out several sleep positions on the mattress prior to purchasing one.  Go as far as taking your shoes off when testing out mattresses, wear comfortable clothes, and close your eyes and relax for a few minutes.  These steps should give you a good idea if this mattress will provide you the comfort needed for a good night's rest.

(Photo courtesy of gilas via iStockphoto.com)

Where Do You Put All Those Throw Pillows

Throw pillows or accent pillows are great additions that will complete any bedroom. Regardless of the style-- modern, traditional, contemporary, or eclectic-- if your bed looks drab, throw a couple of colorful or trendy throw pillows, and viola, you've added some character. But after you've created your wonderful sanctuary for sleep, and it's time to go to bed, where do you put all those pillows? As always, they get tossed on the floor creating trip hazards or clutter until the bed is made up again. This is also very annoying in guest bedrooms, since your guest may not know what to do with all those pillows. Here are some solutions, which may help you end your nightly pillow fight.

• Make space for your pillows in a closet or wardrobe. If you have a nice armoire, closet or wardrobe in your bedroom, save a little room for your pillows.
• Place your pillows in a chest, storage bench, or trunk at the foot of the bed. If you have a decorative chest or trunk in your bedroom, put it to good use! This is a great way to stow your throw pillows as well as extra blankets and linens.
• If you have a window seat with storage underneath, use that as your pillow stash.
• Find some nice plastic storage bins that you can slide under your bed for your pillows. Most big department stores carry these, which are designed specifically to stow under your bed.

These are but a few ideas on how to store your decorative throw pillows at night, until they're ready to adorn your bed in the morning.

(Photo courtesy of Stocknroll via iStockphoto.com)

Pastel Colors Are Not Just for Nurseries

If you like pastels, but are afraid to use them because they may be too childish, don't worry; if used correctly, you can create a sophisticated bedroom.  Pastels are a very popular trend this spring, even Better Homes & Gardens' designer Sabrina Soto (HGTV designer and author of Sabrina Soto Home Design), also agrees that you can have an amazing, grown-up room with these soft color options.  Here are some easy steps and ideas, which will help achieve a fabulous chic look!

• Try to find pastels that are chalky versus sweet.  Chalky pastels will have more grey undertones in them, where sweet pastels will have more white undertones in them.  The easiest way to test your color selection is to hold it up next to a white and grey paint chip, if the pastel leans toward white, then it may be too sweet.
• Don't use more than two chalky pastels together, or you'll end up with a room that looks like a colorful box of sidewalk chalk.
• Create interest by adding white or dark wood accents, lacquer or distressed metal in furniture, trim, lamps, artwork, glass, mirrors, and other accents to add character and balance.

Pastels will create a more spacious room and provide another alternative to brightening up a dark space.  It is a wonderful substitute to white in any bedroom decorating style (contemporary, traditional, modern, or eclectic) and will offer a fresh, fun look for you to wake up to every morning.

(Photo courtesy of Kelly Berg, Arte Styling)